***Disclaimer*** See Chapter One :-)

A/N: Here it is! The final chapter, hope you enjoy.

"Xena! You can thank me now." Dite said smugly, looking at her fingernails before giving them a light blow and buffing them on her chest. Neither Xena nor Gabrielle responded.

"Well?" Dite said this time with annoyance. Her hands found their place on her hips while she waited for the gratitude she was expecting.

Xena's eye's sparkled, she didn't know whether to be thankful for Dite's actions or not. Deep down she wanted to scream but knew she only acted out of love. Dite just wanted to surprise them both, that she had rescued their daughter without their help. Unfortunately it had backfired and the panic within Xena was beginning to build. Gabrielle was just as shocked to hear the news, that when she tried to speak only a high pitched squeak came out.

Gabrielle swallowed and cleared her throat. "Dite, Eve was to be taken to the Land of the Dead Amazons, not back to the Fields."

"I know sweetpea, but not my problem. I went in, got her out like I said."

"Please tell us that you didn't leave Eve in the Fields alone." Gabrielle said almost begging.

"Duh...as if. No I didn't, Ep and Pony are with her. I just dropped her off and they're going to take Eve to that place where the amazons hang out. Wasn't my gig to get her there."

Xena calmed herself down. "Okay, so she has help if need be, so that's good." Xena was still very agitated and she couldn't hold it back any longer. "Why in Gods name didn't you wait to find out our plans? You just took it upon yourself to go and rescue her? Why Dite? Why did you do that! You know what you've done don't you? You've put Eve right back where she started."

"Xena!" Gabrielle chastised her as if she were a child. "That's not fair, Dite thought she was doing the right thing. She just forgot about Najara being there that's all." Gabrielle eye's bore into Dite and faked a smile. "We have a little job for you to do Dite." She tugged on Xena's arm wanting to bring her into the conversation.

"Huh? Oh um yeah we have." Xena's mind was a million miles away, thinking of Eve and what trouble she may be in. She snapped out of her own thoughts and directed her attention on the now pouting blonde woman in pink before her. The Goddess was close to tears, she thought she had done the right thing, now all she was getting was criticism and she couldn't take much more. Her name said it all, she was the Goddess of Love and right at that moment it was not being felt. It was time, she decided, to get out of there.

"After everything I've done for you and this is how I get treated. You yelled at me before for leaving Eve in Tartarus, so I go get her and you still yell at me!" Her voice was weak as she choked back tears, "I know when I'm not wanted." Within moments she had vanished.

"Terrific! Our only chance has a meltdown because she feels unloved." Xena covered her face with her hands in frustration before wiping away unwanted tears. "Well I really stuffed that up now didn't I" she said more as a statement and not as a question. "Me and my big mouth, by the gods now what will we do?"

"Call on Ares Xe." Gabrielle said shrugging her shoulders "he's our only hope."

Ephiny and Eve were still in the Fields while Pony had gone on ahead and crossed over to the Amazon's resting place. Eph had told her to go, as she wanted a quiet word with Eve before they dropped her off. She knew that as soon as she delivered Eve, she would once again be pulled away. Five minutes alone with the Messenger is all that she needed, however five minutes was way too long.

"My my my, what do we have here?" Najara said joyfully as if welcoming old friends. Ephiny spun around while Eve shot to her feet and froze on the spot. It took a few seconds for the amazon to recognize Najara. Her appearance didn't help, as the last time she saw Najara she was an old woman. The soul that stood in front was now a beautiful young blonde, so stunning she was enough to make Eph drool.

"Najara!" Eve said in surprise, her muscles beginning to tense, her mind racing for a way to escape.

"Oh Evie, don't get your knickers in a knot. Plans have changed, I'll deal with you later, but for now I'll deal with your friend." The grin on her face was enormous. Najara could hardly contain herself, she was going to get a second chance, a chance to get even with the woman she despised.

"That bitch ruined all of my plans now I'll ruin her life! Take away what she loves most and kill her."

Those thoughts weren't directed at Ephiny in any way, no not at all. Ephiny was just the mere tool, the means to get close and strike. Xena on the other hand was her target and in a matter of minutes it would all be over.

A shiver ran down Najara's spine as she stood glaring at the women in front of her. Danger was near, she could feel it, a sense of being watched was so strong. Her soul was like a receptor, she could detect other soul's feelings and strengths. What she experience was powerful and knew that it meant trouble. Discretely, not wanting to alert the two women, she scanned the surrounding area. Just as she suspected, far off in the distance a dark figure stood motionless in the shadows of a huge elm tree. Her heart skipped a beat, as adrenalin kicked in.

She had no problem identifying the figure, she knew exactly who it was. Beneath that tree, the God of War could be seen staring at them, his eyes ablaze with anger. Najara was the only one to spot Ares, she sensed his presence where the others could not. Her eyes locked onto his and she knew at any moment he would be standing over her, sword in hand, hoping to strike her down. She was furious by his presence, her mind became unfocused for just a split second and yet it seemed like a lifetime. Everything seemed in slow motion, her comprehension of what was happening taking forever to reach her brain. The dark God had rattled her cage and she was beginning to panic. Her gaze broke away from Ares, she could feel his anger continue to grow and knew it was time to go.

Within seconds Najara leaped towards Eph and entered into her body while Eve looked on in horror. It was such a rush, as her soul seemed to explode with the feeling of such power, the strength of the amazon was amazing. "Don't you just love guardian angels?" She said with a wink, feeling totally energized as if nothing could harm her.

Ephiny had no idea what was happening, she heard her own voice, but knew it wasn't herself talking. She was there but wasn't, as if she was in some sort of nightmare, but a nightmare that wasn't her own. She was helpless, she couldn't fight the intruder she had no control over her actions.

Najara had invaded her soul and was now in full control.

"I think it's time we paid Gabrielle a visit." Najara said cheerfully. No sooner were those words out of her mouth and she vanished.

"Land ho" a sailor cried out piercing the silence aboard the ship. He swung down the ropes from the crows nest and disappeared below the deck. A few orders were shouted from the captain as men scurried about preparing the ship for docking.

The women were in their cabins when the shout was given and were busy collecting their belongings. Finally they were back in civilization, the adventure was almost over. Xena looked over towards Savis, who was huddled in a corner mumbling words to herself. Even though Savis had murdered, she did feel sorry for the poor woman. Her mind was totally broken, it wasn't her fault, her mother was the one to blame. Xena knew things would soon be a lot better, as Savis would find the help that she needed once they found the proper authorities.

"So what happens now?" Tika asked, as she finished her packing.

"Simple, we go to the amazon village" Xena replied.

"Yes Xena, but I mean what happens to me, what do I do now?"

The warrior picked up Argo's saddle, making her way towards the cabin door. "Well Tika" she said over her shoulder. "Seems to me you can either stay with the Amazons, if they'll have you or you can set up another hospice and start again."

"I'm no healer, I'm a cook." she reminded them.

Gabrielle patted Tika's arm, "We'll figure something out, come on let's get out of here." She stood to the side and ushered the group out the door before climbing the wooden stairs herself. The sun was bright when they surfaced from below, blinding each one for a moment.

"You know Tika." Gabrielle continued with the conversation, "You could always learn to become a healer. The amazons could teach you." She leaned against the railing watching as the land drew near. "You could stay with them for a while, have their healer teach you, I'm sure they won't mind and then when you're ready, go out on your own."

"I'll go with you." Sarah joined in. "I would love to become a healer."

It all happened at once, without warning and with such speed. Gabrielle had no idea she had Ephiny standing behind her as she chatted with her friends. Xena, even though she was facing Gabrielle, was unaware of Ephiny's presence. The warrior never could see the amazon's soul.

"Let's have some fun Gabrielle." Were the words whispered into the bard's ear just as Ephiny entered her body. She shuddered ever so slightly, a small smile appeared on Gabrielle's face as Najara took over control.

"What in Hade's! What happened?" Gabrielle's soul was stunned.

"Gabrielle!"

"Who's there? Who said that?" she had a feeling deep down, she knew who it was but she had to be sure.

"Ephiny is that you?"

"Yes it is, try and stay calm."

"Calm? What is happening, I can't move, I can't..."

"Shhhh let me explain, we don't have much time. Najara took over my soul and now she has taken over your body. She's in control Gabrielle while we're stuck in here and helpless."

"By the gods nooooooo." Gabrielle gasped as she saw what her body was about to do. Xena had turned her back while looking for something in Argo's saddle. Slowly but surely Gabrielle was reaching for her sais, her eye's never leaving Xena as she continued to search through the saddle.

"Time for you to go to Hades, you bitch!"

Those were the last words Najara would ever say. Within moments a sword was thrust into Gabrielle's chest and she fell backwards onto the ship's deck. The screams that followed were ear piercing from all those that saw. All except Xena, she stood motionless not understanding what had just happened. Finally she found her voice. "Michael!" she yelled quickly drawing her sword and ready to fight, however not fast enough. Two angels came out of nowhere and restrained her, throwing her to the ground and holding her down while she kicked and bucked and continued to yell profanities.

Michael knelt down by Gabrielle's side, brushing golden strands of hair from her face. Her skin was still so warm to the touch, as his fingers gingerly caressed her pale face. With a heavy heart from what he had done, he slowly withdrew his sword from her chest. He raised his eyes towards Xena feeling sorry for having caused her such pain. She was hysterical and there was no time to waste, he needed to calm her down. Talking was out of the question, she was too distressed to listen, so he gave a nod to one of his men who in turn knocked the warrior unconscious. The blow she received was swift but once again he had no choice.

Michael noticed the onlookers which most were in a daze, his eye's settled on Sarah who was closest. "Sarah, all will be well I promise you, please guard Gabrielle's body, she is not to be moved." Just then she gave a small nod, no words came out of her mouth. She had no idea what she was agreeing to or what he had really said, but she nodded anyway.

Turning his attention back to Gabrielle, he stood and raised his arms and white wings spread out from behind him. He looked down at Gabrielle's small body. "Come with me Gabrielle, just once more, come with me to the Fields." Into his arms he felt her soul rise so he wrapped his wings around her. She looked into his eyes and felt at peace and yet she also felt great sorrow. What had happened she still wasn't sure, but she knew that she was safe.

She noticed him staring at something, she was curious so she followed his gaze. There on the deck she saw a small bloodied body, then realized it was herself. Tears welled up in her eyes as her mind went into overdrive trying to remember what happened. Flashes of images of Xena smiling then turning her back, voices of Ephiny she recalled. Then someone else came to her mind, she sensed that something had gone wrong. As if slapped in the face she remembered, it was Najara who had invaded her body. Then it all became clear as she looked up at Michael, this archangle had swooped down and killed her.

Two bright flashes of light lit up the deck as Ares and Aphrodite appeared. They were too late, the damage had been done and all they saw was the carnage. Ares was outraged with himself, he tried to help but had failed and once again he had hurt the woman he loved, he hurt his beloved Xena. She would never forgive him, he was sure of that, he had a job to do and he failed. He looked over at his sister, not knowing what to say, so nothing was said at all. With a heavy heart his shoulders slumped in despair, it was all over and nothing could be done, so he decided it best to leave. Without a word said he faded away, and made a promise to stay away. The pain Xena would endure was more than he could handle so never again would he see her.

She was sinking and her lungs were burning for air, darkness is all that she saw. Her soul felt like it was being ripped apart, the pain she endured was unbearable. She tried to scream but no sound was heard, no one was there to hear her. The deeper she went the more painful it became, she had no doubt she was about to explode. Down, down into the depths her soul was being consumed.

Some time had passed, for her an eternity, but for those that waited not long. Bubbles were seen on the surface of the pool as Michael watched on and prayed. He was sure this would work, even though it had never been tried, the idea of splitting one soul back into three.

He was soon rewarded when the pool erupted drenching the entire cave in water. There in front of him stood three cleansed women, their souls now separate once more. Michael smiled and began to chuckle, quietly thanking his god for his help. He extended his hand and helped each one out, Gabrielle, Najara and Ephiny.

"What in Hades!" Ephiny was the first to speak as she looked over at Michael.

"Ephiny" Gabrielle embraced her friend in a hug, it had been such a long time since she saw her. Their hug was short lived as a small hello came from beside them. Gabrielle turned to look at Najara, the woman she knew had changed. What stood before her was an image of pure radiance with a smile that lit up the room. Najara had changed from her cleansing just as Callisto had done and now her soul was finally at rest. For once the bard was unsure of her words, so she just smiled and whispered hello back.

Gabrielle turned to Michael. "I understand why you took my soul, I just wish you didn't have to. Now if you don't mind I wish to cross over, my place is with the Amazons."

"Don't be in such a rush, your time shall come, but first you need to live out your life. Come back with me and I'll repair my mistakes, you have been granted life once more." Michael gazed into Ephiny's eyes and saw a touch of hurt. "Sorry Ephiny you'll have to wait, your bond with Gabrielle is not over."

"What?" Gabrielle said confused. Ephiny gave her another hug, "I'll be seeing you around Gabrielle, go have fun but try and be safe." She gave her a playful nudge "I'm your guardian angel, I'll be with you till death." With those last words, she faded away as she did she mouthed the words thank you once more to Michael.

He grabbed for her hand, "Ready?"

"Wait, what about Najara? Is she totally cleansed?"

"Yes she is, it's all over. There will be no more trouble, her memory is gone and she is pure. Najara shall spend some time in the Fields before her time for rebirth comes again. Let's go, with a bit of luck Xena will still be out cold."

One Week Later….

"Xena stop wiggling."

"I can't help it love, sorry but it doesn't feel right."

"If you don't stop, my fingers are going to be useless. Please hon, stay still."

"Look, I know you want to do this and please don't get me wrong, I want to do this too, but really Gabrielle, can't we just do it another way."

Gabrielle's head surfaced from between Xena's thighs. "No"

"Well at least can't you do it from in front of me instead of behind?"

"Oh and what? Have you watch me? Noooo warrior princess, not on your life." she said chuckling.

"Gabrielle this is not normal! Please honey not from behind, you know I don't like it." Xena shifted her body again just as Gabrielle tightened her grip.

"Oh Gods Gabrielle! You keep that up and we'll both be in trouble."

"Promises, promises." The blonde bard slapped her playfully. "Now trust me Xe, you're going to love this."

"Ooooh just be gentle"

"I will hon…. maybe."

"Gabriellllle!"

"By the Gods! Look at you!"

Xena's head snapped up from looking between her own legs at what Gabrielle was doing. "Tika!"

"S-sorry Xena, I ummm wow you look amazing."

Gabrielle's head poked through the warrior's thighs and she smiled proudly "She does, doesn't she." She got to her feet and spun her wife around to face her, her smile grew even wider. "You look gorgeous Xena. I knew you'd look absolutely stunning in an Amazon outfit."

Over the past few months everything had settled down. Tika and Sarah had started training with the Amazons and they were close to opening a new hospice. They chose a location close to the warrior's, only ten minutes ride down the road. That way if either camp needed help they would be close to each other to lend a hand. Not to mention that both women now had an interest, a "friend" as they say within the ranks of the women.

Lila had the taste for adventure, she no longer wanted to go back to the sleepy little town of Potadeia. Instead she settled with the Amazons to help in any way that she could. It wasn't long before she discovered her hidden talents of making weapons for the young warriors, that and also making a great stew. The warriors were more than happy to have her stay so they made her feel right at home.

As for our favorite warriors, well they were finally at peace with everything that happened. Both of them knew that it needed to happen, for if it hadn't, Xena would never have become part of the tribe. They were both blind to the fact they would end up in different realms upon their death, so for that alone they were thankful.

"Where to now Xena?" Gabrielle asked as their horses trotted down the road towards nowhere.

"No idea love, I have absolutely no idea…."

Epilogue

Xena rolled over onto her back, her body was covered in sweat. Her eyes were wide as they stared at the ceiling while her mind was trying to remember the dream. Too late it was gone, only fragments of the nightmare remained. She knew it must have been a nightmare for her heart beat was still racing and the feeling of unease was present.

"Hon, you awake?" Xena said as she looked over at her wife.

"What in Hades!?" the small blonde said as she sat up, she also was covered in perspiration. "That was one disturbing nightmare."

"Sorry hon? Nightmare? Did you have a bad dream also?" Xena asked.

"Bad dream isn't the word for it. It was so real." She chuckled "I dreamt that you had your eye on another woman." She scratched her head. "Gods I remembered as soon as I woke, now I'm having trouble recalling it." She rubbed her face and fell back on the bed in frustration. "Can't remember much more, except fire and darkness and I was in so much pain, like my flesh was burning. I think I was in Tartarus."

Xena was smirking but not for long, "Tartarus hey? Well get this love, I had a daughter I think, something like that anyway and there was this blonde woman, not sure who she was."

"Tell me Xena was she short and blonde and some sort of bard?"

"Funnily enough she was. Actually she looked like that stranger I met yesterday."

Both women stared at each other in silence. "Xena do you think that maybe..."

"Don't even suggest it my love." Smiling she got out of bed and walked towards the small window of their cabin. "We did not have the same dream, that's impossible." She looked out the window and squinted, trying to focus on something in the distance.

"Of course it is hon, but odd we both had similar ones. Anyway it's just a dream."

Xena's voice was low as she spotted the figure that was riding towards them. "Yeah Callisto, it's just a dream."

Far off in the distance, a blonde warrior was riding with purpose towards the small cabin. A blonde warrior, like no other warrior… her name was Gabrielle.

THE END

A/N: Okay that's it, all finished. I was about to post the last chapter without the little twist at the end, but it got the better of me and I changed the original end that I had. For those that didn't read Undeniable Love, well I hope you understood what I was getting at. Basically their dream was a premonition of what was to come.

Thanks for sticking with me, I know it took me ages to write. Take care everyone.